Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy team at Wisconsin Bone & Joint offer a wide range of programs and specialized services to help our patients restore and maintain their physical strength, performance skills, and levels of function. Our well-trained, professional staff utilize the most progressive treatment options and techniques to ensure the best possible recoveries.

Elbow Fractures in Children

Whether your child is an active athlete or just a toddler jumping on the bed, there’s a good possibility that he or she will take a spill at home or on the playing field at some time.

These falls are usually harmless. But, when a child falls on an outstretched arm, the velocity of the fall combined with the pressure of hitting the ground could be enough to fracture, or break, a bone around the elbow. That’s how most fractures around the elbow joint occur.

Cause

A child can experience a fracture in several places about the elbow, including:

This child has a severe right supracondylar humerus fracture with complete displacement of the fracture fragments.

The upper arm bone (humerus) breaks slightly above the elbow. These fractures usually occur in children younger than eight years of age. This is the most common elbow fracture, and one of the more serious because it can result in nerve damage and impaired circulation.

At the elbow knob (condylar). This type of fracture occurs through one of the bony knobs (condyles) at the end of the upper arm bone. Most occur through the outer (lateral) knob. These fractures require careful treatment, because they can disrupt both the growth plate (physis) and the joint surface.

At the inside of the elbow tip (epicondylar). At the top of each bony knob is a projection called the epicondyle. Fractures at this point usually occur on the inside (medial) epicondyle in children between 9 and 14 years of age.

Growth plate (Physis). The upper arm bone and both forearm bones have growth plates located near the end of the bone. A fracture that disrupts the growth plate (physis) can result in arrested growth and/or deformity if not treated promptly.

Forearm. An elbow dislocation can break off the head of the radius bone, and excessive force can cause a compression fracture to that bone as well. Fractures of the tip (olecranon) of the other forearm bone (ulna) are rare.

Fracture dislocation. The ulna and the radius make up the bones of the forearm and meet the bones of the hand at the wrist. A fracture of the ulna associated with a dislocation of the top of the radius at the elbow is called a Monteggia fracture. If the dislocation is not seen, and only the fracture is treated, this can lead to permanent impairment of elbow joint function.

Symptoms

Regardless of where the break is, the symptoms of a broken elbow are similar.

Acute severe pain in the elbow and forearm

Occasionally the child will complain of numbness in the hand, if nerve injury has occurred

If your child complains of elbow pain after a fall and refuses to straighten his or her arm, see a doctor immediately.

Diagnosis

Potentially, the hand may be dusky if the circulation has been affected

During the physical examination, your doctor will check to see whether there is any damage to the nerves or blood vessels.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of fracture and the degree of displacement. Displacement refers to how far apart the broken ends of the bones are.

Nonsurgical Treatment

If there is little or no displacement, the doctor may immobilize the arm in a cast or splint for 3 to 5 weeks. During this time, another set of x-rays may be needed to determine whether the bones are staying properly aligned.

Surgical Treatment

If the fracture forced the bones out of alignment, the doctor will have to manipulate them back into place. Sometimes, this can be done without surgery, but more often, surgery will be needed. Pins, screws, or wires are used to hold the bones in place.

The child will have to wear a cast for several weeks before the pins are removed. Range of motion exercises can usually begin about a month after surgery.